Lions' Burke out for season after breaking leg

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando City SC announced Monday that Defender Bryan Burke will miss the remainder of the 2013 season due to a broken leg suffered in the Lions’ 1-1 draw Friday night in Charleston, S.C., against the Charleston Battery. Burke was a key member of the top-place Orlando squad, appearing in all 15 regular season matches before his season-ending injury occurred.

“So disappointed for the boy,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s had a great season so far and will be missed. We just have to make sure we get him a winner’s medal that his performances this season deserved.“

Burke’s injury occurred in the 8th minute of play Friday night, with an unlucky challenge taking down the California native. The winger underwent surgery Saturday.

Burke put up impressive numbers through the 2013 USL PRO season, including 1,263 minutes played- good for third best on the team behind defensive stalwarts Luke Boden and Rob Valentino. He had three assists and one goal this season, totalling five points for the Lions. This was his first season with Orlando after signing with the club in the offseason from the LA Blues.

Burke got his start with Orange County Blue Star of the USL Premier Development League (PDL). Playing from 2007-10, Burke appeared 29 times for Orange County, scoring four goals. In 2011, Burke joined the Kitsap Pumas of the PDL, leading them to the 2011 PDL Championship. Burke’s assist led to the game-winning goal in the 11th minute of the championship match, earning himself MVP honors in the 1-0 win over the Laredo Heat.